Use Of Climatic Data Research Articles

A Procedure to Estimate Air Conditioning Consumption of Urban Buses Related to Climate and Main Operational Characteristics

Public Transport (PT) planning requires a detailed evaluation of the fleet energy consumption, usually depending on the specific characteristics of the bus service network. These include topography, climate and operational features. In this work, we focus on the additional air conditioning (AC) energy consumption, proposing a method to evaluate the extra energy consumption based not only on climate variables, but also on the PT planned service. Results are presented for a large part of the provincial capitals and regions of Italy, and clearly show that overconsumption for air conditioning are significantly affected by the daily mileage distribution, with large variance even when climatic conditions are similar. The mileage data are extracted from GTFS databases, widely available for PT applications. The developed tool allows us to apply this methodology to any urban and extra-urban area. Reference AC consumption related to climate conditions are derived from a measurement campaign hold in Cagliari (Sardinia, Italy) during September 2018, within the National Research Program on the Electric System. A discussion on how to optimize the use of climatic data is also presented, resulting in the choice to use Heat Index as unique independent variable for air conditioning energy consumption calculation. A methodology to compute the Heat Index from climatic variables for large domains as, for instance, the Italian regions, was also developed.

Modelling the Climate Change on Crop Estimation in the Semi-Arid Region of Pakistan Using Multispectral Remote Sensing

Remote sensing (RS) is a tool in modern years for the monitoring of crops. Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) derived from multi-temporal satellite imagery facilitates the analysis of vegetation growth stage, while comparing it with field/historical departmental yield data. Historical metrological data is also very useful in crop yield estimation especially in arid/semi-arid climatic zones. The metrological conditions including rainfall, humidity, sunshine, and temperature plays vital role in the growth and yield of crops; thus, the climatic conditions can adversely affect the crop yields if are not in accordance with growth requirement of a particular crop. Most of the agricultural land of Punjab province is in semi-arid climatic zone including Chakwal, Jhelum, Mianwali, Khushab, Sargodha, Mandi Bahauddin, Gujranwala, Hafizabad, Shiekhupura, Nankana Sahib, Lahore, Kasur, Faislabad and Chiniot districts. The study will investigate the impact of climate change on wheat crop yields of Chakwal district using advanced RS techniques from 1990 to 2015. Image classification to determine arable and non-arable lands; estimation of changes in temperature using thermal bands of satellite imagery, comparison of historical NDVI profiles; use of climatic data along with nonspatial departmental data for crop yield estimation and drawing its relationship with climatic variables.

Monitoring and climatic data use for rubber plantation management

Climate is a resource for growth and crop yield of rubber and many other crops. Climatic elements are needed to be recorded and interpreted and used for agronomic management. In this paper, the use of climatic data for the agronomic management of rubber plantation is presented. El Nino and La Nina has been known and could be anticipated 3 months earlier so that dealing with drought and wet condition can be anticipated in the rubber plantation. Climatic elements would be easier to be recorded by the automatic weather station. The observed climatic data could be used for calculation of water requirement for irrigation in the nursery, disease prevention, tapping management, planting time and potency of growth by using crop models.

The history of using rainfall data to improve production in the grain industry in Australia—from Goyder to ENSO

Rainfall is a major driver for dryland wheat yields across Australia. Many authors have covered issues such as rainfall trends in Australia, and much of this information has been reviewed and updated in recent years in relation to the Millennium drought and associated concerns about climate change. However, despite a long history of work relating rainfall to grain yields, there has been no overall historical review of attempts at predictive methods and their reliability. Although many of these attempts have now been abandoned or revised, and science has moved in different directions, a review is useful to identify historical patterns and to recognise recurring themes. This might lead to new science questions and a re-appreciation of older findings. The aim of this study is therefore to review the overall literature on this topic, provide a historical timeline, and summarise the achievements and any remaining research questions. The early use of climatic data in Australia was to categorise existing and likely areas for production, with production, not surprisingly, being the emphasis. The search for a crop or climatic index was possibly initiated in an attempt to understand or simplify the complex relationships between crops and the environment. No single index has proved universally applicable, but some acceptance of early growing-season rains as an indicator seems common. The development of complex climatic models, and the availability of quality data for agricultural systems models, has allowed further quantification of the relationship between crops and climate, especially on a seasonal basis. There is little doubt that the relationship between the climatic southern oscillation phenomenon and seasonal rainfall patterns in Australia is important, but its absolute definition remains elusive. From a producer’s perspective, relationships between rainfall at specific (indicator) periods and seasonal or annual rainfall, as appropriate to specific crops, would be useful simple indicators because many farmers already maintain their own rainfall records.

A 17-Year Record of Environmental Tracers in Spring Discharge, Shenandoah National Park, Virginia, USA: Use of Climatic Data and Environmental Conditions to Interpret Discharge, Dissolved Solutes, and Tracer Concentrations

A 17-year record (1995–2012) of a suite of environmental tracer concentrations in discharge from 34 springs located along the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park (SNP), Virginia, USA, reveals patterns and trends that can be related to climatic and environmental conditions. These data include a 12-year time series of monthly sampling at five springs, with measurements of temperature, specific conductance, pH, and discharge recorded at 30-min intervals. The monthly measurements include age tracers (CFC-11, CFC-12, CFC-113, CFC-13, SF6, and SF5CF3), dissolved gases (N2, O2, Ar, CO2, and CH4), stable isotopes of water, and major and trace inorganic constituents. The chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) and sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) concentrations (in pptv) in spring discharge closely follow the concurrent monthly measurements of their atmospheric mixing ratios measured at the Air Monitoring Station at Big Meadows, SNP, indicating waters 0–3 years in age. A 2-year (2001–2003) record of unsaturated zone air displayed seasonal deviations from North American Air of ±10 % for CFC-11 and CFC-113, with excess CFC-11 and CFC-113 in peak summer and depletion in peak winter. The pattern in unsaturated zone soil CFCs is a function of gas solubility in soil water and seasonal unsaturated zone temperatures. Using the increase in the SF6 atmospheric mixing ratio, the apparent (piston flow) SF6 age of the water varied seasonally between about 0 (modern) in January and up to 3 years in July–August. The SF6 concentration and concentrations of dissolved solutes (SiO2, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, Cl−, and HCO3−) in spring discharge demonstrate a fraction of recent recharge following large precipitation events. The output of solutes in the discharge of springs minus the input from atmospheric deposition per hectare of watershed area (mol ha−1 a−1) were approximately twofold greater in watersheds draining the regolith of Catoctin metabasalts than that of granitic gneisses and granitoid crystalline rocks. The stable isotopic composition of water in spring discharge broadly correlates with the Oceanic Nino Index. Below normal precipitation and enriched stable isotopic composition were observed during El Nino years.

Use of climatic data to assess the effect of insect harassment on the autumn weight of reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) calves

Considerable behavioural evidence supports harassment by insects as the most important causal link between warm summer temperatures and low body condition of reindeer Rangifer tarandus, and that insect activity is influenced by weather condition. However, much less is known about the effect of insect harassment on individual performance, measured as reduced weight gain during summer, and the related consequences on both the reindeer pastoral economy and reindeer as a biological resource. Using climatic data, this paper develops a simple index for the analysis of insect harassment that takes into consideration weather variables known to significantly affect insect activity and/or the level of insect harassment. The insect harassment index, which is based on mid‐day ambient temperature ≥13 °C, wind speed <6 m/s and cloud cover <40%, is further used to test the hypothesis that insect harassment has a negative effect on reindeer performance during summer in three Norwegian populations. Results show that harassment by insects negatively affects the autumn weight of reindeer calves, most probably through reduced grazing time and increased energy expenditure, but also indirectly by negatively influencing milk production of the dam. Moreover, female calves were more vulnerable to insect harassment than males. Insect harassment may have consequences on future reproductive performance, calving time, calf birth weight and hence neonatal mortality, and thus affect reindeer productivity. The presented index is easy to estimate and may be used to quantify and compare harassment levels on various reindeer summer grazing areas for management purposes. Our results also suggest that the expected temperature increase in the course of global warming may increase the insect‐related stress on reindeer.

The application of climatic data for planning and management of sustainable rainfed and irrigated crop production

Sustainable food production will depend on the judicious use of water resources as fresh water for human consumption and agriculture is becoming increasingly scarce. To meet future food demands and growing competition for clean water, a more effective use of water in both irrigated and rainfed agriculture will be essential. Options to increase water use efficiency include the conservation of rainfall, the reduction of irrigation water losses and the adoption of cultural practices that will increase production per unit of water. Water use for crop production is depending on the interaction of climatic parameters that determine crop evapotranspiration and water supply from rain. The compilation, processing and analysis of meteorological information for crop water use and crop production will therefore constitute a key element in developing strategies to optimize the use of water for crop production and to introduce effective water management practices. In the 1970s, FAO developed practical procedures to estimate crop water requirements and yield response to water stress which have become widely accepted standards in the planning and management of irrigated and rainfed agriculture. As a follow-up to recommendations of a panel of high-level experts convened in 1990, further studies have been carried out which have led to the development of revised procedures for reference evapotranspiration and crop evapotranspiration. The new procedures and guidelines have been recently published in the FAO Irrigation and Drainage series and include the adoption of the Penman–Monteith approach as the new standard for determining reference crop evapotranspiration (ET o) calculations. Procedures have been developed to use the method also in conditions when no or limited data on humidity, radiation and wind speed are available. Procedures for estimating crop evapotranspiration are revised with an update of the crop coefficients that allow more accurate estimates for a wide range of crops and for various crop, soil and water management practices. Daily ET o calculations are included by separating soil evaporation and crop transpiration estimates through the dual crop coefficient. The use of climatic data for the development of practical criteria in planning and management of irrigated and rainfed crop production is demonstrated at the hand of some examples using the FAO computer programmes and climatic database. Agrometeorology needs to play a key role in the looming global water crisis. Appropriate strategies and policies need to be defined, including strengthening of national capacities in the use of climatic data for planning and management of sustainable agriculture and drought mitigation. Cooperation between FAO and WMO in this field may serve as an example of such efforts.

Use of Climatic Data to Model the Presence of Oestrid Flies in Caribou Herds

Both caribou and reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) are heavily persecuted by warble flies and nasal botflies (Oestridae; Hypoderma tarandi, Cephenemyia trompe), which can have negative effects on these ungulates. Climatic data were collected concurrently with observations of caribou in 1994 and 1995 in the northcentral Alaska Range and used to model presence of oestrid flies. Presence or absence of oestrid flies was indexed by observations of caribou annoyance behavior. Daytime temperature and wind speed were the most important climatic factors affecting oestrid fly presence and were used to build a simple model. The model allows prediction of the probability of oestrid fly presence, based on temperature and wind speed, and may be used to describe the effect of oestrid flies on caribon behavior and population dynamics.

Use of climatic data and satellite imagery to model the abundance of Culicoides imicola, the vector of African horse sickness virus, in Morocco.

African horse sickness (AHS) is a vector-borne, infectious disease of equids caused by African horse sickness virus (AHSV). The only proven field vector of the virus is the biting midge Culicoides imicola. Following a recent epizootic (1989-91) of AHS in Morocco, light traps and automatic weather stations were operated for 2 years at twenty-two sites distributed over much of the country. The annually-averaged mean daily trap catch of C. imicola at these sites was negatively correlated with wind speed, and positively correlated with the average and mean annual minimum NDVI (Normalized Difference Vegetation Index, a remotely sensed measure of vegetation activity). There were no significant correlations between the mean daily trap catch and air temperature, soil temperature, relative humidity, saturation deficit, rainfall, altitude or the mean annual maximum or range of NDVI. The best two-variable model, which combined WindspeedMnAvMn (the average daily minimum wind speed of the least windy month) and NDVImin (the average annual minimum NDVI) as predictors, explained over 50% of the variance in the annually-averaged mean daily trap catch of C. imicola. There was a significant, positive correlation between minimum wind speed at night and the daily mortality rate of adult female C. imicola and it is suggested that the relationship between wind speed and the abundance of C. imicola arises from effects on adult mortality or dispersal. Considering several climatic variables, in North Africa NDVImin was most significantly correlated with total annual rainfall. It is suggested that the relationship between NDVImin and the abundance of C. imicola arises from the impact of soil moisture on both. It is proposed that areas of Morocco with higher levels of soil moisture in late summer or autumn provide more, larger and/or more enduring breeding sites for C. imicola, as well as supporting more photosynthetically active vegetation and hence having higher NDVI.

Predicting Breeding Success of Atlantic Population Canada Geese from Meteorological Variables

Management strategies for sustained harvest and long-term viability of Atlantic Population Canada geese (Branta canadensis) require evaluations of annual breeding success before establishing fall harvest regulations. The only quantitative measure of the annual breeding success of this population is the proportion of young geese in the fall harvest that is not available when harvest regulations are set in late July. Because the majority of Atlantic Population Canada geese breed in the sub-arctic regions of the Ungava Peninsula in northern Quebec, spring climatic conditions are potential predictors of annual production for this population. We used tail-fan data from the Maryland harvest to calculate an index of the proportion of young geese (Y,) in the fall population, 1963-94. We used 1963-87 weather data to develop multiple linear regression models to predict Y, and validated these models by predicting Y, for 1988-94. Models with the greatest predictive ability included the average daily mean temperature and the number of days of snowfall in May and June. The final model included 6 parameters and accounted for 78.7% of the total variability in Y, (P = 0.001). This analysis demonstrates the potential use of climatic data to predict an index of annual production derived from harvest age ratios. The usefulness of this technique will depend on periodic assessment of predictive models as more data is gathered, and evaluation of harvest tail-fan surveys as indices to breeding success.

The Agricultural Potential of Northwestern Canada and Alaska and the Impact of Climatic Change

Climate change studies have indicated the potential for increased drought in the southern Canadian prairies, and with this the potential exists for a northward shift in agricultural production areas. In order to assess the potential for agriculture, the arable soils of northwestern Canada (approximately north and west of 55 N latitude and 110 W longitude) and Alaska were summarized. The study area was divided into several sub-regions or major land resource areas (MLRA) within which the soils with potential for agricultural use were identified through existing soil surveys. These surveys indicate an area of greater than 57 M hectares (Ha) of potentially arable land, which could be used for either annual cropping or grazing on perennial forages, according to the Canada Land Inventory class 1-5 criteria. The climatic limitations for each MLRA were assessed separately through the use of Climate Classification Software. These limitations were then applied to the 57 M Ha of potentially arable land identified earlier, with the result that the area was rated as overall class 5 climate, limited primarily by heat, and the size of the area was reduced to 39.2 M Ha. The impact of a 2 x CO2 changed climate on this area was then assessed by the use of climatic data generated with the Canadian Climate Centre, Global Circulation Model. These data show a much improved climatic capability for agriculture, being substantially warmer and somewhat drier. The overall climate class increased to a rating of 3, and 55.3 M Ha of arable land were shown to be potentially available in the study area.Key words: climate change, agriculture, soil, resource assessment, northwestern Canada, Alaska

Use of climatic data for estimating nitrogen fertilizer requirements of dryland wheat

SUMMARYThe effect of moisture stress on N fertilizer needs of spring wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) was assessed using yield and meteorological data from N x P and N x P x K factorial trials, conducted on farmers' fields in a summer and a winter rainfall area in South Africa in 1979–84. Three to five rates of N fertilizer between 15 and 135 kg N/ha (plus control) and two to four replicates were used. The data were statistically analysed by a multiple regression yield model using applied N rate, N, and seasonal moisture stress, S, as the explanatory variables. A good positive correlation (r = 0.83, S.E. = 0.341 t/ha, D.F. = 48) was obtained between the estimated and the observed yields. The effects of S on Nmax and Novl (i.e. the N rates corresponding to maximum yield and an economically optimal rate, respectively), were evaluated. For 0.05 < S 7lt; 0.3, the range of S values representative of dryland cropping conditions, Nmax was largely independent of S, whereas Nopl increased sharply with decreasing S. The results indicated that N-response models which include moisture stress parameters may be used to determine the cropping areas climatically most suitable for wheat cultivation.

Use of Climatic Data to Identify Potential Sites in the United States for GrowingPapaver bracteatumas a Pharmaceutical Crop

Abstract A procedure utilizing maps in the National Climatic Atlas was used to survey the United States to find areas for domesticating Papaver bracteatum, a wild poppy from the Trans-Caucasus. This poppy has unique properties which make it a possible heroinless source of codeine. Climatic conditions similar to the native habitat and requirements of Papaver bracteatum can be found in areas of western Utah, northern Nevada, southern Idaho, eastern Washington and Oregon, northeastern California and southwestern Wyoming. A detailed climatic analysis was made to evaluate more specific locations within this large area. A site near Medford, Oregon was selected as best suited for developing modern cultural procedures and improving strains to successfully grow crops of Papaver bracteatum.

On the Evaporation from the Soil Surface in the Southern Part of Kyushu

By using a lysimeter, a long term observation of evaporation from the well wetted soil surface was carried out at Miyazaki Agricultural Experimental Station in the southern part of Kyushu.The author compares this value with those estimated by heat balance and combination methods. The results may be summarized as follows:1) Temperature difference between the soil surface and air at the height of 150cm is positive in the winter season.2) Daily mean evaporation is 1-2mm/day in winter and 3mm/day in summer. The maximum value reaches 7-8mm/day, and the yearly one is about 900mm.3) The ratio of evaporation measured by the lysimeter to that from small pan evaporimeter (20cm in diameter) is about 0.8. The ratio may be used for an approximate evaluation of evaporation from moist bare soil.4) Sensible heat transfer coefficient shows the seasonal change with the range of 1-3×10-4ly/sec-1°C. Bowen's ratio obtained by heat balance method is somewhat different from that calculated from Eq. (8). The large discrepancy between the values in winter may be ascribed to overestimation of evaporation by the lysimeter. Bowen's ratio is shown as a function of the dryness factor of the soil surface and of net radiation (Eq. 9 and Fig. 2).5) The relation between the sensible heat of evaporation lEs and net radiation Ss is obtained aslEs=0.78Ss+25.This relationship implies that more than 80% of net radiation is consumed by evaporation in all seasons.6) The measured evaporation is compared with that by the heat balance method (Fig. 3). Fairly good-agreement is found between the two values.The combination method, which is incorporated with the dryness of the surface is also used for evaporation evaluation and yields a value in fair agreement with that by heat balance method.By the heat balance and the combination methods the evaporation from the bare soil can be evaluated by making use of climatic data.

Irrigation Requirements Based on Climatic Data

Limitations in use of climatic data in computation of consumptive use and irrigation requirements; evaporation of water is considered as physical process; physical laws, climatic data and theoretical considerations are used in derivation of new equations for determining consumptive use or evapotranspiration potential for any set of climatic conditions.